ANALYSIS OF THE GENETIC DIVERSITY OF "LOVRAN MARRON" (Castanea sativa Mill.) USING MICROSATELLITE MARKERS

Maruni (maroni) su sorte europskog pitomog kestena (Castanea sativa Mill.) dobivene selekcijom, koje se od davnina uzgajaju radi proizvodnje krupnih i kvalitetnih plodova. Maruni su u Hrvatskoj sađeni na privatnim posjedima istočnih padina Učke, u okolici Lovrana i poznati su pod nazivom "lovranski marun". Do sada nije bilo znanstvenih istraživanja lovranskog maruna te nije poznato s kojim su biljnim materijalom nasadi podignuti, odnosno koliko je različitih genotipova zastupljeno. Ta saznanja ključna su za sve daljnje korake koje treba poduzeti kako bi se očuvali postojeći genetski izvori. Cilj ovoga istraživanja bila je analiza genetske raznolikosti stabala lovranskog maruna u postojećim nasadima, korištenjem mikrosatelitnih biljega. Istraživanje je rađeno na uzorku od 72 stabla, korištenjem 5 mikrosatelitnih biljega. Analiza je pokazala prisutnost 11 multilokusnih genotipova, što govori u prilog raznovrsnosti i bogatstvu svojti pitomog kestena na lovranskom području, koje još uvijek nisu taksonomski određene, a vode se pod kolektivnim nazivom "lovranski marun". Većina uzorkovanih stabala, 58, pripada istom genotipu, što se može tumačiti statičnošću u smislu introdukcije novih svojti na istraživano područje i forsiranjem, tj. ekstenzivnim uzgojem.Marrons are varieties of the European chestnut (Castanea sativa Mill.) obtained through selection, which have been grown since antiquity for the production of large and high quality fruits. In Croatia, marrons were planted on private properties on the eastern slopes of the Učka mountain, in the environs of Lovran, and are hence known as the "Lovran marron". There has been no scientific research of the Lovran marron to date, and it is unknown which plant material was used to raise the plantations, or how many different genotypes are represented. Those insights are crucial for any further steps to be undertaken in order to conserve the existing genetic resources. The aim of this study was to analyze the genetic diversity of the Lovran marron trees in the existing plantations, by using microsatellite markers. The study was conducted on a sample of 72 trees, using 5 microsatellite markers (Table 1). The analysis demonstrated the presence of 11 multilocus genotypes, pointing to the diversity and abundance of sweet chestnut taxa in the Lovran area, which have not yet been taxonomically defined and bear the collective name of the "Lovran marron". The majority of analyzed trees, specifically 58 individuals, had a uniform genetic structure and areassigned to the MG01 cultivar, which is therefore the most represented cultivar in the researched area, i.e. the one most often grown. However, not all trees are uniform, which is proven by the fact that the remaining 14 analyzed trees belong to 10 different gene pools. Of the 14 trees, 2 had not been grafted, but are found in the plantations together with the grafted marrons and are genetically specific as is to be expected. The remaining 12 grafted trees belong to 9 gene pools. Out of those, 5 trees share common alleles on all loci and are assigned the MG02 cultivar, whereas 7 trees were genetically unique and classified into 7 different cultivars (Tables 2, 3, 4 and Figure 1). Consequently, with regard to the "Lovran marron" operational taxonomic unit grown in the area of the Municipality of Lovran, although it is not taxonomically specified, on the basis of the genetic diversity analysis conducted using 5 microsatellite markers, it can be said to include several different genotypes, or cultivars, one of which (MG01) is present at a much higher frequency than others

Alive and kicking, or, living on borrowed time? – Microsatellite diversity in natural populations of the endangered Ulmus minor Mill. sensu latissimo from Croatia

The main objective of this research was to assess the genetic diversity of 5 natural field elm populations in Croatia. The study results suggest that the observed populations are characterized by a satisfactory amount of heterozygosity, and that the impact of the Dutch elm disease on the amount of genetic diversity in the sampled populations is currently negligible. However, one population displayed a significant excess of heterozygosity, implying a genetic bottleneck. The existence of a very clear genetic differentiation between the continental and the Mediterranean populations of Ulmus minor in Croatia was noticed

Synergistic Effects of Combining Morphological and Molecular Data in Resolving the Intraspecific Classification in O. basilicum L.

High levels of both morphological and chemical variability exist within the O. basilicum L. species. Long-term traditional uses and wide distribution throughout the world, as well as traditional selection and breeding efforts, have contributed to variability within the species. Morphological traits according to UPOV descriptor list and AFLP markers were utilized to define the extent of existing variation in the species analyzing 24 accessions. Phenotypic dissimilarities between pairs of accessions were calculated and the UPGMA dendrogram was constructed. A number of clearly defined clusters have been detected, giving a good representation of traditional taxonomic relationships. Genetic relationships were determined by Neighbour-Joining cluster analysis based on Dice’s distance matrix between accessions. Generally, morphologically similar accessions grouped together and a high congruence between trees was observed. Our analyses revealed a certain degree of correspondence between morphological and molecular data among O. basilicum L. accessions. Both AFLP markers and morphological descriptors can contribute in resolving existing problems concerning intraspecific classification in O. basilicum

Morphological Analysis of Short-Tooth Sage (Salvia brachyodon Vandas) Populations

Short-tooth sage (Salvia brachyodon Vandas) is an endemic and one of the rarest plant species of the Dinaric karst. Although older literature indicates its presence in more localities; only two have been confirmed at the present time; Mt. Orjen (border of Bosnia and Herzegovina and Montenegro) and Pelješac peninsula (Croatia). Due to its very narrow distribution and economically very interesting essential oil composition short-tooth sage might become more endangered in the future. The aim of this research was to determine and compare inter-and intra- population morphological diversity of the only two noted natural populations of short-tooth sage by analyzing 16 quantitative morphological traits. Pelješac population of short-tooth sage showed considerably higher values for traits related to habitus and plant height; while the Mt. Orjen population showed higher values for traits related to the calyx and higher occurrence of sessile glandular hairs on the flower pedicels. When interpreting the obtained results; we should consider the fact that the habitats on Pelješac peninsula and Mt. Orjen greatly differ. In order to get better insight into the diversity and differentiation of short-tooth sage populations and to define efficient protection measures an additional analysis of populations using molecular markers are recommended

Sage, potential species for landscaping

Brojne autohtone vrste imaju potencijala za primjenu kao ukrasne vrste u krajobrazu. Dobro su prilagođene staništu čime se smanjuje cijena njihovog održavanja i njege. Njihovom uporabom doprinosi se očuvanju ambijentalne vrijednosti prostora te očuvanju bioraznolikosti. Flora Mediterana obiluje endemskim vrstama, a rod Salvia bogat je vrstama s ukrasnom vrijednošću. Vrsta Salvia officinalis L., mirisava kadulja, žalfija, kuš; do 50 cm je visoki i vrlo raširen polugrm naših primorskih kamenjara, a dekorativna je i u cvjetnom i u bescvjetnom stanju. Morfološka svojstva kao što su: visina grma, broj i visina grana, duljina cvata, broj listova po izboju i cvjetova u cvatu, važna su za procjenu ukrasne vrijednosti neke biljne vrste, a mjerena su na 10 populacija, na biljkama kadulje porijeklom s područja Republike Hrvatske i Republike Bosne i Hercegovine. Populacije su se razlikovale s obzirom na morfološka svojstva što upućujeMany wild species have a potential to be used as ornamentals in the landscape. They are well adapted to the site conditions and that brings to the lower price of maintenance and care. The use of wild species contributes to the protection of area’s ambient value and biodiversity. Mediterranean flora is rich on endemic species, and genus Salvia has many species with ornamental value. Species Salvia officinalis L., sage, is 50 cm high subshrub that is very common on rocky sites along seaside. It has ornamental value in the time of flowering but it’s also attractive when not in flower. Morphological characters, such as: plant height, number and height of branches, inflorescence height, number of leaves per shoot and flowers per inflorescence, are important to estimate the ornamental value of plant species. These characters were measured on the plants from 10 different populations originating from Croatia and Bosnia and Herzegovina. Populations varied on the basis of morphological characters showing that the sage can be useful for different purposes in a landscape design

Dalmatian Sage (Salvia officinalis L.): A Review of Biochemical Contents, Medical Properties and Genetic Diversity

Dalmatian sage (Salvia officinalis L.) represents one of the most significant medicinal autochthonous species in flora of eastern Adriatic coast and islands. It is evergreen outcrossing perennial subshrub with short woody stems that branch extensively and violet flowers. Apart from being native to Mediterranean karst of west Balkan and Apenine peninsula it is cultivated in numerous countries worldwide with Mediterranean and temperate continental climate. From the earliest times it has been used in traditional medicine in healing gingiva, mouth cavity and the sore throat, against bacterial and fungal infections, for wound treatment, memory enhancement, for treating common cold, against sweating, stomach inflammation, ulcer formation, etc. Its essential oil has also been used in preservation of food and as spice as it gives both specific aroma and promotes digestion of food. The essential oil is extremely complex mixture of different active ingredients; however, the thujones and camphor are the dominant compounds and are the parameter by which S. officinalis is distinguished from other Salvia species. The great variability of essential oil composition and yield has been detected depending on various factors such as genotype, environmental conditions, phonological stage, plant parts used for the extraction of essential oil and drying procedure. Molecular genetic analysis of S. officinalis is still limited and comprises the use of RAPD markers, AFLP and SSR markers in assessing mostly the genetic variability and structure of wild S. officinalis populations

Genetic Diversity of Dalmatian Sage (Salvia officinalis L.) as Assessed by RAPD Markers

Dalmatian or common sage (Salvia officinalis L.) is an outcrossing plant species native to East Adriatic coast. Random Amplified Polymorphic DNA markers (RAPD) were used to analyze genetic diversity and structure of ten natural populations from the East-Adriatic coastal region. The highest genetic diversity was found in populations from the central and south Dalmatia, while the highest frequency down-weighted marker values were found in the northernmost populations and the southern most inland population. Although analysis of molecular variance (AMOVA) revealed that most of the genetic diversity was attributable to differences among individuals within populations, highly significant φST values suggested the existence of genetic differentiation among populations. By assuming Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium within populations, the calculated FST value among population was moderate. Bayesian model-based clustering method revealed that at K = 2 all individuals belonging to two northern populations were assigned to a separate cluster from the individuals belonging to the rest of the population. At K = 3, the newly formed cluster grouped the majority of individuals belonging to populations from central Dalmatia. The high correlation between matrices of genetic and geographical distances showed that isolation by distance may play a considerable role in overall structuring of the genetic diversity

Mikrosatelitni biljezi kod graha (Phaseolus vulgaris L.)

Common bean is one of the most cultivated and consumed grain legumes worldwide, showing a high level of genetic diversity. Here is presented a detailed review of development and mapping of simple sequence repeats (SSRs, microsatellite markers) in the common bean. In the last 25 years, common bean has been the subject of numerous genetic studies, in which the identification and use of SSRs were conducted, and lead to the development of genetic maps. First genetic maps of common bean have been developed in the 1990s and were based on different molecular markers, and included domestication genes and important agronomic traits. Later, SSRs allowed the genetic mapping of more narrow crosses that are often of interest in plant breeding. Most genetic maps have been correlated with the core map established in the recombinant inbred population BAT93 x Jalo EEP558, and includes different markers, RFLP (restriction fragment length polymorphism), RAPD (random amplified polymorphic DNA), AFLP (amplified fragment length polymorphism), and SSRs in particular. More than 2,000 SSR markers are available for the common bean and they are an important tool to evaluate the genetic diversity of common bean landraces. SSRs are also useful to evaluate intra-specific diversity within the genus Phaseolus.Grah je jedna od najviše uzgajanih i najviše korištenih zrnatih mahunarki u svijetu koja ima visoku razinu genetske raznolikosti. U ovom radu je prikazan detaljan pregled razvoja i kartiranja mikrosatelitnih biljega (SSR, ponavljajuće jednostavne sekvence) kod graha. U posljednjih 25 godina, grah je bio predmetom brojnih genetskih istraživanja u kojima je provedena identifikacija i upotreba SSR-ova što je dovelo do razvoja genetskih karata. Prve genetske karte graha su razvijene u 1990-ima i bile su bazirane na različitim molekularnim biljezima, a uključivale su gene koji su povezani uz udomaćenje i važna agronomska svojstva. Kasnije su SSR-ovi omogućili genetsko kartiranje križanaca koji su često od interesa u oplemenjivanju bilja. Većina genetskih karata povezana je s osnovnom genetskom kartom uspostavljenom na rekombinantnoj inbred liniji BAT93 x Jalo EEP558, koja uključuje različite biljege kao što su RFLP (polimorfizam dužine restrikcijskih ulomaka), RAPD (nasumično umnožena polimorfna DNA), AFLP (polimorfizam dužine umnoženih ulomaka) te SSR-ove. Više od 2 000 SSR biljega je dostupno za grah i oni su važan alat za procjenu genetske raznolikosti tradicijskih kultivara graha. SSR-ovi su također korisni za procjenu unutarvrsne raznolikosti unutar roda Phaseolus

Morphological Analysis of Short-Tooth Sage (Salvia brachyodon Vandas) Populations

Short-tooth sage (Salvia brachyodon Vandas) is an endemic and one of the rarest plant species of the Dinaric karst. Although older literature indicates its presence in more localities; only two have been confirmed at the present time; Mt. Orjen (border of Bosnia and Herzegovina and Montenegro) and Pelješac peninsula (Croatia). Due to its very narrow distribution and economically very interesting essential oil composition short-tooth sage might become more endangered in the future. The aim of this research was to determine and compare inter-and intra- population morphological diversity of the only two noted natural populations of short-tooth sage by analyzing 16 quantitative morphological traits. Pelješac population of short-tooth sage showed considerably higher values for traits related to habitus and plant height; while the Mt. Orjen population showed higher values for traits related to the calyx and higher occurrence of sessile glandular hairs on the flower pedicels. When interpreting the obtained results; we should consider the fact that the habitats on Pelješac peninsula and Mt. Orjen greatly differ. In order to get better insight into the diversity and differentiation of short-tooth sage populations and to define efficient protection measures an additional analysis of populations using molecular markers are recommended